Morning Hike In Aït Benhaddou

Aït Benhaddou is an historic ksar (fortified village) along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. It is considered to be a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is also a partial location of the earthquake in September 2023, although we saw only a little evidence. When we arrived the previous night, we had a wonderful opportunity to take this photo when our bus stopped at an overlook. The structure at the top was the destination of our morning hike.

We stayed at Kenzi Garden Hotel in what looks like an ordinary, unassuming town. No doubt, that this place has hosted various movie actors and actresses. (Keep reading.)

In the morning, we were offered a hike up to a fortified watch tower (in the background). Before walking over a footbridge built in 2011, there was an eager kitty to feed.

Those who did not wish to go could shop or have coffee in the local restaurant. It was a tough choice for Kay (the shopping part) but she gamely chose to hike up to the top for the promised stellar views. Granted, it was a bit of work, but it was also quite possible as long as one wore decent shoes.

Part way to the top, our local guide, the son of a well-known guide who is learning the trade, took us through his grandparent's home, that was a clay and thatch construction. On the wall were photos of many actors, including Russell Crowe, from Gladiator. You'll see the list of many movies shot in Aït Benhaddou, including Game of Thrones.

The family sitting room. 

In the distance, at the base of the dark round hills in the center, is a stadium built for, and left behind from, the Gladiator set. (We very much wanted to support the local economy with some purchases.)

I found the colored crystals found in black rocks to be enchanting with their sparkle. As usual, there were trilobites and other fossils.

Another cat, eager for treats.

Although the newer foot bridge offered an easier way for residents to get from the old town to the new town, we noticed that many preferred to get across on rocks.

The views from the top of the town and geography were amazing.

The circle area below is an old Jewish cemetery. There are scarcely any Jews left in Aït Benhaddou.

The country is rugged and dry. But there is still a great deal of beauty, especially with the Atlas Mountains in the background.

When looking in another direction toward town, gardens, farm land and date palms can be seen.

Of course, we had to take some group photos for documentation!

Our tour guide, Mostafa, is also good at selfies!

Some scenes on the trek back down.

A peekaboo view through a natural arch.

What's not to like about the brilliant colors and lines, and a cat?

Grandmother and granddaughter heading home.

Even donkeys use the foot bridge.